Pin retention for conveyor modules

ABSTRACT

A conveyor module includes a module body with a pair of first link ends extending in a first direction of travel and a second link end extending in a second direction of travel opposite the first direction. Each of the first and link ends has a transverse opening therethrough. At least one of the first link ends has a first mating portion. A pin is configured to be received in the first transverse openings of the module body. The pin has a shaft and a lever affixed at a first end of the shaft. The lever has a second mating portion configured to be rotatably coupled with the first mating portion of the module body, thereby preventing transverse movement of the shaft.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to modules for conveyors, and moreparticularly, to retaining pins in conveyors.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Assembling conveyors, especially chain conveyors, is very difficult.There are currently no solutions on the market that allows for tool-freeassembly—generally, either the pin must be forced in to chain link usinga hammer or otherwise pressed in using dedicated tools. As difficult asassembly is, it is even more difficult to disassemble such belts. It iscommon for collateral components to be damaged while extracting pins todisassemble a chain. Furthermore, in belts that require dedicated toolsfor assembly/disassembly, sufficient space is needed around the belt foruse of the tool. As such, use of the tool may be limited to specificpositions in the belt system. Accordingly, there is a long-felt need fora conveyor with a retained pin that is more easily removed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an embodiment, a conveyor module includes a module body. The modulebody has a pair of first link ends extending in a first direction oftravel. Each first link end has a first transverse opening therethrough.At least one of the first link ends has a first mating portion. A secondlink end extends from the module body in a second direction of travelopposite the first direction. The second link end has a secondtransverse opening therethrough. A pin is configured to be received inthe first transverse openings of the module body. The pin has a shaftand a lever affixed at a first end of the shaft. The lever has a secondmating portion configured to be rotatably coupled with the first matingportion of the module body, thereby preventing transverse movement ofthe shaft. The first mating portion may be a slot and the second matingportion may be a tab configured for rotatable insertion into the slot.In another embodiment, the first mating portion is a nest and the secondmating portion is a shape of the lever configured to be contained withinthe nest.

In some embodiments, the lever may comprise a first locking portion andthe at least one first link end may comprise a second locking portionconfigured to couple with the first locking portion to prevent rotationof the pin. The first locking portion may be a protrusion and the secondlocking portion may be a recess, wherein the protrusion is configured tocouple with the recess. In other embodiments, the first locking portionis a latch and the second locking portion is a ledge configured tocouple with the latch.

In some embodiments, the at least one first link end has a first rampwith a changing elevation in a transverse direction. In suchembodiments, the lever includes a second ramp configured to be cooperatewith the first ramp such that the pin is translated in a transversedirection when the pin is rotated.

The shaft has a length, and in some embodiments, the shaft has a firstdiameter at a first end portion of the length and a second diameter at acentral portion of the length. The second diameter may be larger thanthe first diameter. The shaft may include a tapered portion between thefirst end portion and the central portion. In some embodiments, theshaft also has a second end portion with the first diameter, and mayinclude a tapered portion between the central portion and the second endportion. The pin may be manufactured using a metal injection moldingprocess (“MIM”).

In another embodiment, a conveyor module includes a module body. Themodule body has a pair of first link ends extending in a first directionof travel. Each first link end has a first transverse openingtherethrough. At least one of the first link ends has a first ramp witha changing elevation in a transverse direction. A second link endextends from the module body in a second direction of travel oppositethe first direction. The second link end has a second transverse openingtherethrough. A pin is configured to be received in the first transverseopenings of the module body. The pin has a shaft and a lever affixed ata first end of the shaft. The lever has a second ramp configured tocooperate with the first ramp such that the pin is translated in atransverse direction when the pin is rotated.

In another embodiment, a conveyor module includes a module body. Themodule body has a pair of first link ends extending in a first directionof travel. Each first link end has a first transverse openingtherethrough. A second link end extends from the module body in a seconddirection of travel opposite the first direction. The second link endhas a second transverse opening therethrough. A pin is configured to bereceived in the first transverse openings of the module body. The pinhas a shaft and a groove around at least a portion of the circumferenceof the shaft. The module further includes a clip configured to insertioninto a notch of at least one of the first link ends. The clip has a tabconfigured to engage the groove of the pin to prevent transversemovement of the pin. In some embodiments, the notch extends to bothfirst link ends and the clip includes two tabs, and the pin includes twogrooves, and where each tab of the clip is configured to engage acorresponding groove of the pin. The module body may have a firstlocking portion and the clip may have a second locking portionconfigured to couple with the first locking portion to prevent removalof the clip from the module body. For example, the first locking portionis a ledge and the second locking portion is a latch configured tocouple with the ledge.

In another embodiment, a conveyor module includes a module body. Themodule body has a pair of first link ends extending in a first directionof travel. Each first link end has a first transverse openingtherethrough. At least one of the first link ends has a bayonet keyway.A second link end extends from the module body in a second direction oftravel opposite the first direction. The second link end has a secondtransverse opening therethrough. A pin is configured to be received inthe first transverse openings of the module body. The pin has a shaftand a lever affixed at a first end of the shaft. The pin has a bayonettab on the shaft to cooperate with the bayonet keyway, thereby retainingthe pin in the first transverse openings. The pin may have two tabs andeach of the first link ends includes corresponding bayonet keyways forengaging the tabs of the pin.

In another embodiment, a conveyor module includes a module body. Themodule body has a pair of first link ends extending in a first directionof travel. Each first link end has a first transverse openingtherethrough. A second link end extends from the module body in a seconddirection of travel opposite the first direction. The second link endhas a second transverse opening therethrough. A pin is configured to bereceived in the first transverse openings of the module body. The pinhas a shaft with a length, a first diameter at a first end portion, anda second diameter at a central portion of the length. The seconddiameter may be larger than the first diameter. The shaft may include atapered portion between the first end portion and the central portion.In some embodiments, the shaft also has a second end portion with thefirst diameter, and may include a tapered portion between the centralportion and the second end portion. The pin may be manufactured using ametal injection molding process (“MIM”).

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the disclosure,reference should be made to the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a module according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure, where the pin is shown removed from the modulebody;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the module of FIG. 1, where the pin hasbeen inserted and locked to the module body;

FIG. 3 is bottom oblique view of the module of FIGS. 1 and 2, where thepin is shown removed from the module body;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pin of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a module according to another embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a portion of a module according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure; where the pin is shownjust entering the module body;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a portion of a module wherein the leverof the pin is shown in an unlocked position;

FIG. 6C is another perspective view of a portion of a module where thefirst and second mating portions are shown engaging one another duringrotation of the pin;

FIG. 6D is an end elevation view of the module of FIG. 6C;

FIG. 6E is an end elevation view of the module of FIGS. 6C-6D showingfull engagement of the first and second mating portions and the firstand second locking portions (the pin is depicted as transparent to showthe first and second locking portions);

FIG. 7A is a top view of a portion of a module with a ramp, the Figureshowing the pin where the first and second ramps are in initial contactat a lever angle of 30°;

FIG. 7B is a top view of the module of FIG. 7A showing the pin havingbeen partially rotated through the first and second ramps at a leverangle of 25°;

FIG. 7C is a top view of the module of FIGS. 7A-7B showing the pinhaving been rotated through the complete first and second ramps at alever angle of 15°, such that the pin is fully translated into themodule body;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a module according to another embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the module of FIG. 8 connected withanother chain module;

FIG. 10 is a detail perspective view of a portion of the module of FIG.8;

FIG. 11 is another detail view of a portion of the module of FIGS. 8 and10;

FIG. 12 is a detail view of a portion of a module according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a module of another embodiment of thepresent disclosure wherein the pin and the clip are removed from themodule body;

FIG. 14 depicts the module of FIG. 13 wherein the pin is inserted intothe first transverse openings and the clip is depicted partiallyinserted into the first link ends of the module body;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of module according to another embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is another view of the module of FIG. 15, showing the pininserted into the module body;

FIG. 17 is a detail view of the module of FIGS. 15-16 showing the pininserted;

FIG. 18 is another detail view of the module of FIGS. 15-17;

FIG. 19 is a detail view of the module body of FIGS. 15-18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the pin of FIGS. 15-17; and

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a length of a belt formed by aplurality of modules, wherein one module is a module according to anembodiment of the present disclosure (the pin is shown partiallyrotated).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a first aspect depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the present disclosure may beembodied as a module 10 for a conveyor, such as, for example, a chainconveyor. The module 10 comprises a module body 12 having a pair offirst link ends 14 extending in a first direction of travel and a secondlink end 16 extending in a second direction of travel (opposite from thefirst direction of travel). The direction of travel refers to thedirection of travel of an assembled conveyor. For example, where themodule is a chain module, the direction of travel refers to thedirection of travel of a chain if the module was incorporated in achain. Each of the first link ends 14 has a first transverse opening 15therethrough, and the second link end 16 has a second transverse opening17 therethrough. The first openings 15 are arranged to be aligned withthe second opening 17 of an adjacent module such that the modules may beconnected in a hinge-like manner.

The module 10 includes a pin 20 configured to be received in the firsttransverse openings 15. As such, the pin 20 is also able to be insertedthrough the second transverse opening 17 of an adjacent module. The pin20 has a shaft 22 having a first end 24 and a second end 26. A lever 28is affixed at the first end 24 and arranged such that a torque may beapplied, for example, manually applied by an individual, to rotate thepin 20 about the shaft 22.

At least one of the first link ends has a first mating portion 30. Thelever 28 of the pin has a second mating portion 32 configured to berotatably coupled with the first mating portion 30. As such, when theshaft 22 of the pin 20 is inserted in the first link ends 14 and thelever 28 is rotated, the first mating portion 30 can be coupled with thesecond mating portion 32 thereby preventing transverse movement of thepin 20. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the first matingportion 30 is a slot and the second mating portion 32 is a tabconfigured for insertion in the slot.

The module 10 may further include locking portions to prevent rotationof the pin 20 once the first and second mating portions, 30, 32 arecoupled. For example, the lever 28 may include a first locking portion34 and the corresponding first link end 14 may include a second lockingportion 36. In the example depicted in FIGS. 1-4 (in particular, seeFIGS. 3 and 4, the first link end 14 includes a protrusion 37 and thelever 28 includes a recess 35. As such, when the first and second matingportions 30, 32 are coupled, the recess 35 engages with the protrusion37 to inhibit rotation of the pin 20. FIG. 5 depicts another embodimentof module 80, which is similar to the module 10 of FIGS. 1-4 except fora different module body configuration. In this way it can be seen thatembodiments of the present disclosure are exemplary, and components mayhave differing configurations.

In FIGS. 6A-6E, pins, similar to those of the module 10 above, are shownat various points during pin insertion (or removal). In particular, FIG.6B shows where the pin has been inserted, and the lever has been rotateduntil a point before the first and second mating portions engage. InFIGS. 6C-6D, the first and second mating portions are partially engaged.The angle α where the first and second mating portions begin to engagecan be varied according to the application. In some embodiments, thelever angle α is between 3° and 20°. In other embodiments, the angle canbe less than 3° or greater than 20°. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS.6C-6E, the lever angle α at engagement is approximately 15° (i.e., thelever moves through 15° of rotation from the point where the first andsecond mating portions begin to engage, to the point at which the matingportions are fully engaged (α=0°). FIG. 6E depicts where the lever (andpin) have been rotated to fully engage the first and second matingportions. In FIG. 6E, the lever is depicted as transparent forconvenience, so that the first and second locking portions are shown tobe engaged. In this way, unwanted rotation of the pin is prevented bythe first and second locking portions, and migration of the pin out ofthe first transverse openings is prevented by the first and secondmating portions.

Components of embodiments of the present disclosure may be made fromvarious materials. For example, the module body may be made fromplastics, such as polyethylene (e.g., ultra-high molecular weightpolyethylene), polypropylene, polyamide, polyoxymethylene (POM), andpolybutylene terephthalate (PBT); composites, such as reinforcedpolyamide and reinforced polypropylene; metals, such as cast iron,aluminum, and stainless steel; or combinations of these. Similarly, pinscan be made from any material such as plastics (polyamide) or metals(for example, carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum). Due to theshapes necessary for some embodiments of the present invention, it maybe beneficial to produce pins and/or other components using processessuch as metal injection molding (MIM).

Components of the disclosed modules can be made in suitable colors, suchas white, gray, blue, black, green, yellow, etc. Belts may beconstructed of modules of different colors such that modules can be morereadily identified. For example, modules of the present disclosurehaving pins that are more easily removed, can be differently coloredfrom other modules. Or, modules with easily-removable pins may have pinswith a different color such that the modules are more readilyidentified. In another example, modules can be differently colored tofacilitate detection of running speed, to trigger the placement ofconveyed materials, etc. Other embodiments having modules or componentsof modules with differing colors will be apparent to one having skill inthe art in light of the present disclosure.

In another embodiment of a module 110 depicted in FIGS. 8-12, the firstmating portion 130 is a nest 131 and the corresponding second matingportion 132 is a keyed shape of the lever 128 configured to fit withinthe nest 131. As will be apparent in view of at least FIG. 9, when theshaped lever 128 is coupled with the nest 131 of a first link end 114,the pin 120 will not migrate out of the first transverse openings 115unless the lever 128 is rotated to uncouple the first and second matingportions 130, 132. In this embodiment, a first locking portion 134 isprovided as a latch 135 and the second locking portion 136 is providedas a ledge 137 on which the latch 135 may be engaged (see FIGS. 10 and11). In such an embodiment, the latch 135 may be uncoupled through theuse of a tool, such as, for example, a screwdriver.

In some embodiments, the lever of the pin and the associated first linkend may be configured such that when the lever is engaged with the linkend (i.e., when the first and second mating portions are coupled), thenthe module has a shape that is substantially the same as other modulesof the same chain. For example, in FIG. 9, it can be seen that theoverall shape of the presently-disclosed module 110 is substantially thesame as that of another module 102 of the same chain (see also FIG. 21).

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a module 10 includes amodule body 12 with a pair of first link ends 14 extending in the firstdirection of travel (e.g., direction of belt travel) and a second linkend 16 extending in the second direction of travel (see FIGS. 1 and3-4). Each of the first link ends 14 has a first transverse opening 15therethrough, and the second link end 16 has a second transverse opening17 therethrough. The first openings 15 are arranged to be aligned withthe second opening 17 of an adjacent module such that the modules may beconnected in a hinge-like manner. At least one of the first link ends 14has a first ramp 40 oriented such that the first ramp 40 changes inelevation in the transverse direction (i.e., a direction transverse tothe direction of belt travel—along the same axis as the transverseopenings).

The module 10 includes a pin 20 configured to be received in the firsttransverse openings 15. As such, the pin 20 is also able to be insertedthrough the second transverse opening 17 of an adjacent module. The pin20 has a shaft 22 having a first end 24 and a second end 26. A lever 28is affixed at the first end 24 and arranged such that a torque may beapplied, for example, manually applied by an individual, to rotate thepin 20 about the shaft 22.

The lever 28 includes a second ramp 42, which is configured to cooperatewith the first ramp 40 such that, when the pin is rotated while thefirst and second ramps 40, 42 are in contact with each other, the pin 20is translated in the transverse direction (see FIGS. 7A-7C). In thismanner, the pin 20 can be at least partially ejected—translated at leastpartially out of the first transverse openings 15—by rotation of thelever 28 (see, for example, FIG. 7B). In some embodiments, it isadvantageous to position the second ramp 42 in a location of the lever28 proximate to the shaft 22. In this way, the first and second ramps40, 42 can act to translate the pin 20 without undue force on a distalportion of the lever 28.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3-4, aspects of the present disclosure canbe used in combination. For example, where first and second matingportions 30, 32 are used to retain the pin 20 in the first openings 15,a first ramp 40 and a second ramp 42 can be used to eject the pin 20once the mating portions are uncoupled. In this manner, using the lever28 to rotate the pin 20 will uncouple the mating portions 30, 32 andeject the pin 20. In some embodiments, the uncoupling and ejectionoperations occur sequentially. For example, where the first and secondmating portions 30, 32 begin to disengage at a lever angle α of 15°, thefirst and second ramps 40, 42 may be configured to begin ejecting thepin 20 at a lever angle greater than 15°. For example, the first andsecond ramps 40, 42 may be configured to eject the pin 20 as the leverrotates through angles from 15° (FIG. 7C) to 30° (FIG. 7A).

In another aspect of the present disclosure (an example of which isdepicted in FIG. 12), a module 210 includes a module body 212 with apair of first link ends 214 extending in the first direction of traveland a second link end 216 extending in the second direction of travel.Each of the first link ends 214 has a first transverse opening 215therethrough, and the second link end 216 has a second transverseopening 217 therethrough. The first openings 215 are arranged to bealigned with the second opening 217 of an adjacent module such that themodules may be connected in a hinge-like manner.

The module 210 includes a pin 220 configured to be received in the firsttransverse openings 215. As such, the pin 220 is also able to beinserted through the second transverse opening 217 of an adjacentmodule. The pin 220 has a shaft 222 having a first end 224 and a secondend 226. The shaft 222 has a length l and a first diameter at a firstend portion 225 of the length. The shaft 222 has a second diameter at acentral portion 223 of the length. In an embodiment, the second diameteris larger than the first diameter such that the strength of the shaft222 is greater in the central portion 223. The shaft 222 may have atapered portion between the first end portion 225 and the centralportion 223, such that the diameter of the shaft 222 tapers from thefirst diameter to the second diameter. In an embodiment, a second endportion 227 of the shaft 222 is the same diameter as the first endportion 225. The shaft 222 may have a tapered portion between thecentral portion 223 and the second end portion 225, such that thediameter of the shaft 222 tapers from the second diameter to the firstdiameter.

This aspect of the present disclosure, a shaft having multiple diametersover a length of the shaft, is particularly advantageous where pins areproduced by a metal injection molding (“MIM”) process—where a mixture ofpowdered metal and binder are injection molded into a desired shape, andthe part is then sintered to coalesce the metal into the final product.In some cases, pins produced by MIM may not have the strength of pinsmanufactured from similar materials using more traditional processes. Assuch, the present aspect of the disclosure may be used to providestrength at a central portion of the pin where higher stresses may beimposed on the pin by action of the modules.

In another aspect of the present disclosure (an example of which isdepicted in FIGS. 13-14), a module 310 includes a module body 312 with apair of first link ends 314 extending in the first direction of traveland a second link end 316 extending in the second direction of travel.Each of the first link ends 314 has a first transverse opening 315therethrough, and the second link end 316 has a second transverseopening 317 therethrough. The first openings 315 are arranged to bealigned with the second opening 317 of an adjacent module such that themodules may be connected in a hinge-like manner.

The module 310 includes a pin 320 configured to be received in the firsttransverse openings 315. As such, the pin 320 is also able to beinserted through the second transverse opening 317 of an adjacentmodule. The pin 320 has a shaft 322 having a first end 324 and a secondend 326. The shaft 322 has a groove 328 over at least a portion of acircumference. In some embodiments, such as that depicted in FIG. 3, thegroove 328 extends over the entirety of a circumference of the shaft322.

The module 310 further comprises a clip 340 configured for insertioninto a corresponding cradle 342 of at least one of the first link ends314. In some embodiments, such as that depicted in FIG. 13, the clip 340is configured for insertion into a cradle 342 that extends into bothfirst link ends 314 of the pair of first link ends 314. The clip 340includes a tab 341 configured to engage the groove 328 of the pin 320.In some embodiments, the tab extends through a first link end 314 whereit engages the groove 328 within the first transverse opening 315. Inembodiments where the clip extends to both first link ends 314, the clipmay include two tabs 341 (see, for example, FIG. 13). The tab 341engaged with the groove 328 prevents transverse movement of the pin 320thereby retaining the pin 320 in position in through the first link ends314.

In another aspect of the present disclosure (an example of which isdepicted in FIGS. 15-20), a module 410 includes a module body 412 with apair of first link ends 414 extending in the first direction of traveland a second link end 416 extending in the second direction of travel.Each of the first link ends 414 has a first transverse opening 415therethrough, and the second link end 416 has a second transverseopening 417 therethrough. The first openings 415 are arranged to bealigned with the second opening 417 of an adjacent module such that themodules may be connected in a hinge-like manner. At least one of thefirst transverse openings includes a bayonet keyway 418 as furtherdescribed below.

The module 410 includes a pin 420 configured to be received in the firsttransverse openings 415. As such, the pin 420 is also able to beinserted through the second transverse opening 417 of an adjacentmodule. The pin 420 has a shaft 422 having a first end 424 and a secondend 426. A lever 428 is affixed at the first end 424 and arranged suchthat a torque may be applied, for example, manually applied by anindividual, to rotate the pin 420 about the shaft 422. The pin 420further comprises a tab 429 protruding from the shaft 422. The tab 429is configured to pass through the bayonet keyway 418 and engage an endportion of the keyway 418. For example, the keyway 418 may be L-shaped.In this way, the tab 429 may pass through the long portion of theL-shape. The pin 420 can then be rotated using the lever 428 to engagethe tab 429 into the short portion of the L-shape of the keyway.Bayonet-style engagement is known in the art, and additional embodimentsof suitable bayonet keyways will be apparent in light of the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, the pin includes more than one key, andthe first link ends comprise a corresponding configuration of keyways.

The module 410 may further include locking portions to prevent rotationof the pin 420 once the tab 429 is engaged in the keyway 418. Forexample, the lever 428 may include a first locking portion 434 and thecorresponding module body 412 may include a second locking portion 436configured to couple with the first locking portion 434 to preventrotation of the pin 420. In the example depicted in FIGS. 15-20, thelever 428 includes a protrusion 435 and the lever module body 412includes a groove 437 in which the protrusion 435 can be engaged. Assuch, when the tab 429 and the keyway 418 are engaged (i.e., coupled)with one another, the protrusion 437 engages with the groove 435 toinhibit rotation of the pin 420.

It should be noted that, although the modules are described as having apair of first link ends and a corresponding second link end, embodimentsof modules having more than two first link ends and a correspondingnumber of second link ends are contemplated and within the scope of thepresent disclosure. Such embodiments may include a plurality of firstlink ends and second link ends which interdigitate to connect adjacentmodules.

Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to oneor more particular embodiments, it will be understood that otherembodiments of the present disclosure may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Hence, the presentdisclosure is deemed limited only by the appended claims and thereasonable interpretation thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A conveyor module, comprising: a module body,comprising: a pair of first link ends extending in a first direction oftravel, each first link end having a first transverse openingtherethrough and at least one of the first link ends has a first matingportion; a second link end extending in a second direction of travelopposite the first direction, the second link end having a secondtransverse opening therethrough; a pin configured to be received in thefirst transverse openings of the module body, the pin having a shaft anda lever affixed at a first end of the shaft, the lever having a secondmating portion configured to be rotatably coupled with the first matingportion of the module body thereby preventing transverse movement of theshaft; and wherein the at least one first link end has a first ramp witha changing elevation in a transverse direction, and wherein the leverincludes a second ramp configured to be cooperate with the first rampsuch that the pin is translated in a transverse direction when the pinis rotated.
 2. The module of claim 1, wherein the first mating portionis a slot and the second mating portion is a tab configured forrotatable insertion into the slot.
 3. The module of claim 1, wherein thefirst mating portion is a nest and the second mating portion is a shapeof the lever configured to be contained within the nest.
 4. The moduleof claim 1, wherein the lever comprises a first locking portion and theat least one first link end comprises a second locking portionconfigured to couple with the first locking portion to prevent rotationof the pin.
 5. The module of claim 4, wherein the first locking portionis a protrusion and the second locking portion is a recess, wherein theprotrusion is configured to couple with the recess.
 6. The module ofclaim 4, wherein the first locking portion is a latch and the secondlocking portion is a ledge configured to couple with the latch.
 7. Themodule of claim 1, wherein the shaft has a length, a first diameter at afirst end portion of the length; and a second diameter at a centralportion of the length.
 8. The module of claim 7, wherein the shaft has asecond end portion of the first diameter.
 9. The module of claim 8,wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter.
 10. Themodule of claim 1, wherein the pin is manufactured using a metalinjection molding process.
 11. A conveyor module, comprising: a modulebody, comprising: a pair of first link ends extending in a firstdirection of travel, each first link end having a first transverseopening therethrough and at least one of the first link ends having afirst ramp with a changing elevation in a transverse direction; a secondlink end extending in a second direction of travel opposite the firstdirection, the second link end having a second transverse openingtherethrough; a pin configured to be received in the first transverseopenings of the module body, the pin having a lever affixed at a firstend of a shaft, the lever having a second ramp configured to becooperate with the first ramp such that the pin is translated in atransverse direction when the pin is rotated.
 12. A conveyor module,comprising: a module body, comprising: a pair of first link endsextending in a first direction of travel, each first link end having afirst transverse opening therethrough; a second link end extending in asecond direction of travel opposite the first direction, the second linkend having a second transverse opening therethrough; a pin configured tobe received in the first transverse openings of module body, the pinhaving a shaft and a groove around at least a portion of a circumferenceof the shaft; and a clip configured for insertion into a notch of atleast one of the first link ends, the clip having a tab configured toengage the groove of the pin to prevent transverse movement of the pin.13. The module of claim 12, wherein the notch extends to both first linkends and the clip includes two tabs, and the pin includes two grooves,and where each tab of the clip is configured to engage a correspondinggroove of the pin.
 14. The module of claim 12, wherein the module bodycomprises a first locking portion and the clip comprises a secondlocking portion configured to couple with the first locking portion toprevent removal of the clip from the module body.
 15. The module ofclaim 14, wherein the first locking portion is a ledge and the secondlocking portion is a latch configured to couple with the ledge.
 16. Themodule of claim 12, wherein the shaft has a length, a first diameter ata first end portion of the length, and a second diameter at a centralportion of the length.
 17. The module of claim 16, wherein the seconddiameter is greater than the first diameter.
 18. The module of claim 16,wherein the shaft has a tapered portion between the first end portionand the central portion.
 19. The module of claim 16, wherein the shafthas a second end portion having the first diameter.
 20. The module ofclaim 16, wherein the shaft has a tapered portion between the centralportion and the second end portion.
 21. The module of claim 12, whereinthe pin is manufactured using a metal injection molding process.
 22. Aconveyor module, comprising: a module body, comprising: a pair of firstlink ends extending in a first direction of travel, each first link endhaving a first transverse opening therethrough, wherein at least one ofthe first link ends has a bayonet keyway; a second link end extending ina second direction of travel opposite the first direction, the secondlink end having a second transverse opening therethrough; a pinconfigured to be received in the first transverse openings, the pinhaving a shaft and a lever affixed at a first end of the shaft, andwherein the pin has a bayonet tab on the shaft to cooperate with thebayonet keyway thereby retaining the pin in the first transverseopenings; and wherein at least one of the first link ends has a firstramp with a changing elevation in a transverse direction, and whereinthe lever includes a second ramp configured to be cooperate with thefirst ramp such that the pin is translated in a transverse directionwhen the pin is rotated.
 23. The module of claim 22, wherein the pincomprises two tabs and each of the first link ends includescorresponding bayonet keyways for engaging the tabs of the pin.
 24. Themodule of claim 22, wherein the lever comprises a first locking portionand the module body comprises a second locking portion configured tocouple with the first locking portion to prevent rotation of the pin.25. The module of claim 24, wherein the first locking portion is aprotrusion and the second locking portion is a groove, wherein theprotrusion is configured to couple with the groove.
 26. The module ofclaim 22, wherein the shaft has a length, a first diameter at a firstend portion of the length, and a second diameter at a central portion ofthe length.
 27. The module of claim 26, wherein the second diameter isgreater than the first diameter.
 28. The module of claim 22, wherein thepin is manufactured using a metal injection molding process.